How can you get rid of bedbugs at home quickly, using folk remedies, independently at home? - briefly
Apply diatomaceous earth combined with a few drops of tea‑tree or peppermint oil to cracks, seams, and mattress edges, then wash all linens in water above 60 °C and vacuum the area thoroughly. Follow with heat treatment—run infested items through a dryer on high heat for at least 30 minutes and seal any openings to prevent re‑infestation.
How can you get rid of bedbugs at home quickly, using folk remedies, independently at home? - in detail
Eliminate bedbugs swiftly by combining thorough sanitation with proven household remedies. Begin with a complete removal of clutter; packed boxes, piles of laundry, and unused furniture provide hiding places that impede treatment. Wash all bedding, curtains, and washable fabrics in water hotter than 60 °C (140 °F) for at least 30 minutes, then dry on the highest heat setting. Non‑washable items should be sealed in airtight plastic bags for two weeks to starve insects.
Next, treat the sleeping area with the following folk solutions:
- Steam application – Use a handheld steamer capable of reaching 100 °C (212 °F). Direct the jet onto seams, mattress edges, headboards, and cracks in walls. Steam kills all life stages on contact; repeat every 48 hours for three cycles.
- Diatomaceous earth (food grade) – Sprinkle a thin layer (approximately 1 mm) along baseboards, under the bed frame, and inside mattress folds. The abrasive particles damage the exoskeleton, causing desiccation. Leave in place for at least one week, then vacuum thoroughly.
- Essential oil spray – Mix 20 ml of tea tree oil, 15 ml of lavender oil, and 10 ml of peppermint oil with 500 ml of water. Add a few drops of liquid soap to emulsify. Transfer to a spray bottle and mist all suspected surfaces, focusing on crevices and upholstery. Reapply daily for a week.
- Baking soda and salt mixture – Combine equal parts of baking soda and coarse salt. Apply to carpet fibers and upholstery, let sit for 24 hours, then vacuum. The hygroscopic properties draw moisture from the insects, reducing survival rates.
- Heat exposure – Place infested items (shoes, small bags) in a dryer on high heat for 30 minutes. For larger objects, rent a portable heater and raise the room temperature above 55 °C (131 °F) for several hours, ensuring even heat distribution.
After each treatment, vacuum all floors, mattresses, and furniture with a HEPA‑rated vacuum. Immediately discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister to prevent re‑infestation. Inspect seams, folds, and hidden joints daily; repeat the steam and essential‑oil steps until no live insects or fresh exuviae are observed.
Finally, establish preventive measures: install mattress encasements rated against bedbugs, keep bedroom humidity below 50 %, and regularly wash linens on hot cycles. By adhering to this regimen, bedbugs can be eradicated rapidly without professional intervention.